Blog

When it comes down to it, I believe you have to try your hardest at anything you do, with any cards you're dealt. 

With that being said, I want to use this space to acknowledge who I am in society. I am one of the few Pacific Islanders who attends UCLA. As someone who has been born and raised in West Los Angeles, diversity has been the key to success in both my professional and personal life. I have thrived in environments that teach me new things through cultural lenses.

I believe my experience with diversity has allowed and pushed me to try new things like food, celebrations, and overall networking. As someone who is usually in the minority, I know exactly what it feels like to feel out of place in certain settings. Over time I have developed ways to adapt to my situation while still being true to myself. I have also found ways to help people who feel the same way feel more included in conversations. Maintaining a professional flow is important in keeping diversity alive and well.

Privilege is impossible to miss in a conversation about diversity. The undeniable advantages people have over each other like wealth, race, gender, sex, and so many more put groups of people "ahead of the starting line" if you will. The deep understanding of intersectionality in society has allowed me to connect and relate with so many different types of people. Everyone has their story, and everyone strives to achieve equality and justice in one way or another. Understanding, sympathizing, and being an ally to those who do not have a voice have been key to growing my network and overall success.

Ultimately, who I am and where I come from are a big part of how I go about life. Understanding that everyone has their own story and cultural background is a big part of finding not only success but happiness.